Both teams are showing weak defensive performances late in the season, despite boasting fairly productive offense. Minnesota, in third place in the West, is allowing an average of 2.67 goals per home game, while Anaheim is in a deep crisis, having lost six of its last seven games and allowing a significant number of goals. The Ducks' road record is alarming: they are allowing an average of 3.86 goals per game on the road, and their overall goal differential is negative (263:277).
A key factor in favor of the over-goal total is Anaheim's current form. In their last five games, the team has consistently allowed over 5.5 goals. The Ducks' defense is clearly failing – in recent games, they have allowed between four and six goals, including losses to St. Louis (2-6) and San Jose (3-4). Meanwhile, Anaheim's attack remains dangerous (averaging 3.3 goals per game), ensuring they won't leave the ice without a clean sheet. Minnesota, meanwhile, also scores consistently at home (averaging 2.73 goals), which, combined with the visitors' struggles, creates ideal conditions for a high-scoring game.
Considering that their last head-to-head meeting (January 3, 2026) ended in a 5-2 victory for Minnesota, and Anaheim hasn't won against this opponent in five straight games, the hosts are quite capable of scoring four or five goals. The most likely final score is 5-3 or 4-3 in Minnesota's favor. You could also consider betting on Minnesota's individual total over 3.5 goals, as the Ducks have conceded an average of 4.8 goals in their last five away games.
